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PRIVATE/LARGE COMPANY CATEGORY FINALIST: Mark Gamble

Mark Gamble was a driving force in the transformation of Hudson-based Ramco Specialties Inc., according to CEO Richard A. Malson II.

"Ramco was a traditional, small family business successful through a few initial strategies, hard work and luck," said Malson, adding that the company was looking for long-term sustainability and needed a change of strategy. "Before Mark, Ramco simply did not have the tools necessary to analyze, prioritize and execute effectively and efficiently multiple strategic initiatives. In just a few years, Mark has improved all of Ramco's financial reporting, financial/capital management, risk management and IT systems."

Gamble helped transform Ramco from a commodity-oriented distributor to a larger, growth-oriented manufacturer/value-added distributor and manufacturer. He has 24 years of experience as a chief financial officer in a variety of industries, including startup, growth-oriented and turn-around companies.

At Ramco, Gamble streamlined and improved financial reporting/control, identified cost/profit improvement areas and brought a focus to strategic planning, according to the nomination. He brought the same methodologies to Ramco's affiliate company in Italy, Ramco Europe, to provide consistency in reporting.

"Mark has brought a level of professionalism, sophistication and discipline to Ramco that did not previously exist, and he has become my and the board's and the owners' key adviser," Malson said.

Malson said Gamble's ability to accurately streamline Ramco's processes, procedures and product pricing helped guide the decision to exit certain product lines and markets, while creating a more focused direction.

Another major area Gamble contributed to was the development of Ramco's strategic management team. He also facilitated the development of a corporate acquisition strategy to help identify and investigate potential acquisition opportunities.

"(The strategic management team) is a team with tremendous strengths and abilities without the egos; a team with identified and unified goals and a winning culture," Malson said. "Mark is a proven leader within this team."

In 2016, Gamble led the successful financing and transition of the company to a new, state-of-the art, 175,000-square-foot facility that provides improved efficiency, image and culture, according to the nomination. The move consolidated operations from four locations into one. Gamble's negotiations on land acquisition, a tax incentive package and a financing structure allowed Ramco to remain in Hudson.

Outside of his professional commitments, Gamble is finance committee chair for Hudson United Methodist Church; treasurer for Santa PICsU, a charitable organization supporting the children and staff of Akron Children's Hospital; and former treasurer of the Hudson Athletic Boosters Club.